Karnataka Heritage & Explorer (5 Nights, 6 Days)

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Bangalore - The Garden City & Modern Marvels

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive in Bangalore (Bengaluru) Airport or Railway Station. Our representative will warmly greet you and assist with your transfer to your hotel. Check-in and relax.

Afternoon: Begin your exploration of Bangalore, India's "Garden City" and tech hub.

Lal Bagh Botanical Garden: Stroll through the sprawling Lal Bagh Botanical Garden, renowned for its beautiful glass house, diverse plant species, and serene environment.

Cubbon Park: Enjoy the greenery and tranquility of Cubbon Park, a vast lung space in the city center, ideal for a leisurely walk.

Vidhana Soudha: Drive past the majestic Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the Karnataka state legislature, a magnificent example of neo-Dravidian architecture (exterior view only).

ISKCON Temple Bangalore: Visit the grand ISKCON Temple Bangalore, a modern architectural marvel and a significant spiritual center, known for its serene ambiance.

Night: Overnight stay in Bangalore.

Day 2: Bangalore - Hampi Transfer & Vijayanagara Splendor

Morning: After an early breakfast, check out from your Bangalore hotel and embark on a comfortable drive to Hampi (approx. 7-8 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the awe-inspiring ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Afternoon: Upon arrival in Hampi, check into your hotel. Begin your exploration of this incredible open-air museum.

Vitthala Temple: Visit the iconic Vitthala Temple, famous for its musical pillars and the exquisite Stone Chariot, a symbol of Karnataka tourism.

King's Balance & Hampi Bazaar: Explore the historical King's Balance and stroll through the ruins of the ancient Hampi Bazaar.

Shiva Temple: Visit the ancient Virupaksha Temple (often referred to as a Shiva temple) which is still an active place of worship and the most prominent landmark in Hampi.

Night: Overnight stay in Hampi.

Day 3: Hampi - Badami Transfer (Via Aihole & Pattadakal - Cradle of Indian Architecture)

Morning: After breakfast, continue your exploration of Hampi's royal center.

Royal Centre: Explore the Royal Enclosure, including the Queen's Bath, a lavish royal bathing complex, and the Lotus Mahal, a beautiful two-storied pavilion.

Elephant Stables: Visit the magnificent Elephant Stables, a grand structure that housed the royal elephants.

Afternoon: Check out from your Hampi hotel and drive to Badami (approx. 3-4 hours), another key historical site.

En Route Aihole & Pattadakal: Make significant stops at Aihole and Pattadakal, collectively known as the "Cradle of Indian Architecture."

Aihole: Explore the numerous temples in Aihole, including the Durga Temple and Lad Khan Temple, showcasing early Chalukyan architectural experiments.

Pattadakal: Visit Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its cluster of exquisite temples, representing a harmonious blend of North Indian Nagara and South Indian Dravidian styles. Marvel at the Grand Virupaksha Temple.

Evening: Arrive in Badami. Check into your hotel.

Night: Overnight stay in Badami.

Day 4: Badami - Hubli Transfer (Waterfalls & Serene Sites)

Morning: After breakfast, explore the wonders of Badami.

Badami Cave Temples: Visit the famous Badami Cave Temples, a complex of four rock-cut caves adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, representing Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist faiths.

Explore the Agastya Lake and the Bhutanatha Temples complex, offering stunning views.

Afternoon: Check out from your Badami hotel and begin your drive towards Hubli (approx. 3-4 hours).

En Route Waterfalls & Temples:

Jog Falls: Make a significant stop to witness the majestic Jog Falls (Seasonal, best during monsoon), one of the highest plunge waterfalls in India, formed by the Sharavathi River.

Sahastra Lingam (Yana): (Optional, if time permits and route allows) Visit the unique Sahastra Lingam in Yana, where hundreds of Shiva lingams are carved on rocks in the riverbed.

Mahabaleshwar Temple (Gokarna/Murudeshwar): Note: The Mahabaleshwar Temple is in Gokarna/Murudeshwar, which is quite a detour from the direct route to Hubli, extending the travel significantly. This might not be feasible within a single day. Assuming your intention was to highlight a major temple, we will mention this as an optional visit if the client is willing to extend the day significantly.

Night: Arrive in Hubli. Check into your hotel. Overnight stay in Hubli.

Day 5: Hubli - Bangalore Transfer (Anegundi Village & Journey Back)

Morning: After breakfast, check out from your Hubli hotel.

Day: Begin your journey back to Bangalore (approx. 7-8 hours). This will be a full day of comfortable travel.

Anegundi Village: (Optional, if time and route permit) If you missed any Hampi sites or wish for a quick cultural stop, you could consider a brief visit to Anegundi Village near Hampi, often called the "Monkey Kingdom," believed to be part of the mythical Kishkindha.

Evening: Arrive in Bangalore. Check into your hotel. The evening is free for relaxation or last-minute souvenir shopping.

Night: Overnight stay in Bangalore.

Day 6: Bangalore Departure

Morning: After breakfast, check out from your Bangalore hotel.

Day: Our representative will assist you with your timely transfer to Bangalore Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey, carrying a treasure trove of incredible memories from your 'Karnataka Heritage & Explorer' adventure.

Inclusions:

5 Nights Accommodation (2N Bangalore, 1N Hampi, 1N Badami, 1N Hubli) on Twin Sharing Basis

Daily Breakfast at hotels

Comfortable Private Vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary

All applicable taxes

Exclusions:

Airfare/Train fare to and from Bangalore

Lunch & Dinner (unless specified)

Entry fees to monuments, museums, parks, gardens, temples, waterfalls, and attractions (e.g., Hampi sites, Badami Caves, Aihole & Pattadakal entry, Jog Falls viewpoints, etc.)

Charges for optional activities like boat rides, cultural shows, etc.

Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, tips, medical emergencies, etc.

Any additional sightseeing or activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Travel insurance